Banfield Pet Hospital® State of Pet Health 2013 Report Due to the fact that dogs and cats age much faster than humans—one year for a human is roughly five to seven years for a dog or cat—it is especially important that pet owners understand the potential factors that may impact how long their pet lives. The lifespan of a dog or cat can be impacted by various factors including genetics, whether or not a dog or cat is spayed or neutered, the amount of preventive veterinary care received and, of course, breed type and size. The geographic location where a pet lives may also impact his or her lifespan due to preventable diseases plaguing certain parts of the United States. Preventable diseases such as heartworm disease and Lyme disease are life-threatening and may play a role in a reduced lifespan in certain areas of the country such as the Northeast (Lyme disease) and the Southeast (heartworm disease). Heartworm infection is one of the top three conditions or diagnoses for pets seen in Banfield hospitals in the Southern states including Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, among others. These three Southern states had the shortest lifespan for dogs in 2012—Louisiana and Mississippi were also the bottom two states for lifespan in cats. Lifespan estimates are based on age at euthanasia for Banfield patients > 1 year of age.
breed chart cat toy/small medium large giant
Dogs and cats can be prone to certain diseases based on their breed. average weight: 10 lbs weight: <20 lbs weight: 20-50 lbs weight: 50-90 lbs weight: >90 lbs For dogs, breed size can also put them at an increased risk for certain average lifespan: 12.1 yrs average lifespan: 11.3 yrs average lifespan: 10.8 yrs average lifespan: 11.1 yrs average lifespan: 8 yrs diseases and have a significant impact on their overall lifespan. The common breeds: common names: common breeds: Common Names: common breeds: Common Names: common breeds: common names: common breeds: Common Names: bottom-line is that size does matter! Toy/small breed dogs, such as Domestic Shorthair Kitty Chihuahua Bella Beagle Bella German Shepherd Bella Great Dane Bella a Chihuahua and Shih Tzu, live 41 percent longer than giant breed Domestic Medium Hair Bella Scottish Terrier Max Boxer Max Golden Retriever Max Great Pyrenees Bear dogs, such as a Great Dane or St. Bernard. As a result of their shorter Domestic Longhair Tiger Shih Tzu Buddy Cocker Spaniel Buddy Labrador Retriever Buddy Mastiff Max lifespan, giant breed dogs can be expected to reach their senior years Max Yorkshire Terrier Daisy Pit Bull Rottweiler Sadie St. Bernard Roxy common diagnoses: Daisy
much earlier than small breed dogs do (i.e., at 6 years of age rather seen at Banfield of dogs seen at Banfield of dogs of dogs seen at Banfield of dogs than 10 years of age), which means they are likely to develop aging- Feline respiratory virus common diagnoses: common diagnoses: common diagnoses: seen at Banfield of dogs common diagnoses: associated diseases such as arthritis or kidney disease earlier than Kidney disease Dental tartar Conjunctivitis (eye infection) Dental tartar Dermatitis (skin inflammation) Tapeworms Patellar luxation (kneecap Dermatitis (skin inflammation) Otitis externa (ear infection) Lameness small breeds as well. As such, breed and breed size are important 2% 51% 27% Banfield sees 1 cat per 5 dogs 1 sees Banfield pops out of place) Fleas 21% Overweight Skin tumor in understanding the diseases or conditions to which a dog may be Retained baby teeth predisposed.
Spot, 20, Bozeman, Montana Ginger, 19, Miniature Pincher, Medford, Oregon Spot is patient, loving and a little bit predatory. He stays fit A little grumpy in her younger years, Ginger has become quite by stalking the occasional bird but only dreams of actually Muffins, 22, Chicago, Illinois the loving and loyal companion. Possibly the only dog to prefer Julius Caesar, 18, Yorkshire Terrier, Rapid City, South Dakota catching one. As a kitten he tolerated being dressed up like Muffins was named after eating a whole bag of baked goods. cats over humans, Ginger spent many hours cuddling her a doll, but preferred to remain a cat. He currently spends his Julius Caesar loves sitting on laps, sniffing the yard and Born the runt of the litter, he quickly grew into his big, bullish favorite feline companion, Tiger. Today, Ginger is known as her days playing with a piece of yarn, dining on food specially wrestling. He successfully trained two humans to wait on him personality. Quick to adapt to any situation, Muffins is owner’s shadow and rarely leaves her owner’s side (unless made for seniors and sunbathing on the porch. and has an actual seat at the dinner table. He also has been currently living in his seventh home with his one loving it’s for a bite of spaghetti). Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan client since 2007 known to enjoy a motorcycle ride and regularly snacks on owner. At 22 years of age, Muffins has outlived three other Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan client since 2003 baby carrots. pets and several foster cats. Banfield client since 2008 Banfield client since 2004
Lifespan (years) | Cat Lifespan (years) | Dog WA WA . . MT ME MT ME ND . ND . OR OR VT MN VT MA . MN MA . NH . . NH . ID . . ID . . SD WI NY . SD WI NY RI RI . . . . . . . WY MI WY MI . CT . CT IA PA . IA PA . . NE . . NV NE . NV NJ . OH NJ . . IL OH . IL IN . UT IN . MD . UT . MD . . CO . . CA . CO WV DE CA . WV DE . VA . . . VA . . KS KS MO KY . MO KY . . . . . . NC NC . . . TN . AZ OK TN AZ OK . . NM . AR SC . NM AR SC . . . . . . GA AL GA MS AL MS . . . . . . LA Lifespan LA Lifespan TX TX . Longest . Longest . Moderate Moderate FL Shortest FL Shortest . . No Baneld hospital No Baneld hospital
Zoe, 18, Omaha, Nebraska Poncho, 18, Chihuahua, Albuquerque, New Mexico Zoe has particular tastes and a subjective personality Extremely energetic and a happy boy, Poncho loves playing tag with humans and with food. She shows love by “head Nemesis, 21, Johnston, Rhode Island with his owner’s 3-year-old granddaughter and following his Daisy and Cupid, 17, Shih Tzus, Aurora, Colorado butting” in exchange for quality belly rubs. She is Quite the practical joker, Nemesis loves to climb to high owner everywhere. After long days of rolling in the grass Daisy is an extremely loving, gentle and friendly dog. She particularly fond of being warm and is most often found places and jump in front of unsuspecting people. He enjoys and lying in the sun, Poncho refuels his energy by snacking makes friends with everyone she meets, including a few sleeping by the vent or snuggling with her owners. walking on a leash and is known for ruling the house with on carrots and apples. feathered friends from the neighborhood! Her best friend is Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan client since 2009 an iron paw. He’s also been known to chew on rawhide Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan client since 2011 her sidekick, Cupid, who is known affectionately as the and snack on the occasional Scrabble dictionary (that’s “ball-of-fluff!” Daisy shows off her boundless energy by actually how he got his name!). running in circles and nibbling on her owner. Banfield client since 2011 Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan clients since 2008
spay & neuter states with the shortest lifespan looking ahead (of the 43 states in which Banfield has a hospital)
While it is not possible to predict the lifespan of a pet, there are many preventable diseases and conditions that Banfield Pet Hospital is committed to improving the health and impact a pet’s overall health and well-being, which may influence life expectancy. Some of the most significant well-being of pets everywhere, and we are equally dedicated to findings in this year’s report include the impact spaying or neutering has on a pet’s lifespan. uncovering the factors that threaten their lifespan. mississippi alabama louisiana delaware massachusetts The State of Pet Health 2013 Report features an exclusive look rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: at the lifespan of both dogs and cats and provides additional lifespan for cats lifespan for dogs insight into the overall health of our pet population. Although 43 10.1 yrs 42 10.2 yrs 41 10.4 yrs 40 10.5 yrs 39 10.6 yrs considerable differences in lifespan were highlighted in average average Spayed/Neutered: 56% Spayed/Neutered: 68% Spayed/Neutered: 62% Spayed/Neutered: 71% Spayed/Neutered: 77% lifespan lifespan comparisons of pets by year, sex, reproductive status, breed 12.1 yrs 11 yrs High prevalence for: heartworm High prevalence for: heart High prevalence for: fleas, High prevalence for: internal High prevalence for: arthritis, infection, hypothyroid disease disease, fleas heartworm infection parasites overweight & obesity size and state of residence, the factors underlying these spayed spayed Low prevalence for: arthritis, Low prevalence for: diabetes Low prevalence for: arthritis, Low prevalence for: arthritis, Low prevalence for: roundworm differences remain to be identified. diabetes mellitus mellitus dental disease heart disease Most common breeds: In our ongoing commitment to improving the health and well- unspayed unspayed Most common breeds: Most common breeds: Most common breeds: Most common breeds: Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua Labrador Retriever, Chihuahua Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu Labrador Retriever, Yorkshire & Yorkshire Terrier being of pets, the BARK team is following up on this report’s & Shih Tzu & Chihuahua & Chihuahua Terrier & Pit Bull findings by thoroughly investigating factors that might Spayed cats live an average of 13.1 years—39% longer than unspayed cats Spayed dogs live an average of 11.6 years—23% longer than unspayed dogs influence lifespan in dogs and cats—factors such as body condition that, when neutered neutered States with the shortest lifespan for both dogs & cats effectively managed, may help keep pets with their owners longer. We look unneutered unneutered forward to sharing the results of these studies Neutered cats live an average of 11.8 years—62% longer than unneutered cats Neutered dogs live an average of 11.1 years—18% longer than unneutered dogs delaware ohio louisiana kentucky mississippi with pet owners and the veterinary community Spaying or neutering provides several advantages that likely contribute to a longer lifespan. Neutering male pets rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: rank: lifespan: in early 2014. decreases their chances of developing prostatic enlargement and disease and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. 43 10.7 yrs 42 10.9 yrs 41 11 yrs 40 11.1 yrs 39 11.1 yrs Spaying female pets eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus. If a female is spayed Spayed/Neutered: 88% Spayed/Neutered: 85% Spayed/Neutered: 80% Spayed/Neutered: 89% Spayed/Neutered: 81% before her first heat cycle, chances of developing breast cancer drop dramatically as well. Behavior problems are the High prevalence for: High prevalence for: heart High prevalence for: internal High prevalence for: diabetes High prevalence for: heart primary reason pet owners relinquish their pets to shelters, and pets that haven’t been spayed or neutered are more hyperthyroid disease, internal disease, otitis externa parasites mellitus, otitis externa disease, otitis externa parasites Low prevalence for: kidney Low prevalence for: kidney Low prevalence for: heart Low prevalence for: thyroid likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as roaming, urine marking or fighting. Low prevalence for: arthritis, disease, thyroid disease disease, overweight & obesity disease, kidney disease disease, diabetes mellitus heart disease
Banfield patient data also show that unneutered dogs are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car or bitten by another animal as neutered dogs. The situation is even worse for cats—unneutered cats have 4 times the risk of being hit by a car as neutered cats. Unneutered cats are also 3 times as likely as neutered cats to be brought to the veterinarian for treatment of an animal bite. For a state-by-state interactive look at pet health, visit StateofPetHealth.com and follow us on Banfield Pet Hospital® State of Pet Health 2013 Report
elcome to Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2013 Report—the most commonMost Common diagnoses Diagnoses | Cat 2012 | cat
Age Group only report of its kind to capture and analyze the medical data from nearly 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats. As the largest veterinary practice in Juvenile W (- years) the world, Banfield operates more than 800 hospitals in 43 states, and more than 13,000 associates—including 2,600 licensed veterinarians—work at Banfield. As such, Young Adult (- years) Banfield has a unique understanding of the health of companion animals. Through our extensive commitment to innovation, our practice has created this ground-breaking Mature Adult (- years) report, now in its third year.
Geriatric (> years)
Proportion of Patients (%) Proportion Patients of about banfield As a practice, our focus is making a better world for pets by Banfield’s veterinarians and paraprofessionals use PetWare®, delivering high-quality veterinary medicine and providing Banfield’s proprietary data/electronic medical records system, preventive care. We are the leader in innovative pet healthcare to collect data from every pet cared for in Banfield hospitals. ® programs, such as Optimum Wellness Plans —packages Information is downloaded daily to the medical database at Conjunctivitis(eye infection) Cystitis(bladder inflammation) Dental Tartar Ear Mites FelineVirus Respiratory Fleas Healthy Pet Heart Murmur Hyperthyroidism(thyroid disease) ChronicDisease Kidney Malaise(depression) Obesity Otitis(ear Externa infection) Overweight PeriodontalStage Disease Roundworms Tapeworms Diagnosis Type of preventive care services at an affordable price. Banfield Banfield’s main campus in Portland, Ore. Data are then analyzed believes preventive care improves the quality and longevity by Banfield’s internal research team, Banfield Applied Research These diagnoses are a compilation of the most common diagnoses found in cats throughout the year. While “Healthy Pet” is not a true medical diagnosis, it is important to include, as it reinforces that pet owners should bring their pets to the veterinarian for preventive care, as well as when their pets are sick or injured. Reasons for a “Healthy Pet” visit include physical examinations, routine vaccinations and blood work or nutritional counseling, among others. of a pet’s life by reducing the risk of developing serious, & Knowledge (BARK). costly and sometimes fatal diseases—many of which are Banfield’s commitment to providing high-quality veterinary care preventable or, without treatment, can become chronic. This is grounded in evidence-based medicine—this is supported by is why Banfield emphasizes the importance of twice-annual BARK’s team of researchers, many of whom are veterinarians comprehensive examinations and a partnership between and are dedicated to population-based research. The BARK team most commonMost Common diagnoses Diagnoses | Dog 2012 | dog pet owners and their veterinarian to identify changes in a analyzes the medical data of more than 7 million pet visits at Age Group pet’s overall health and well-being. We believe that regular Banfield hospitals each year to develop insights into diseases preventive care and early disease diagnosis will positively affecting pets. Findings of the studies they conduct are shared impact a pet’s health and lifespan. with veterinarians and the public through various avenues Juvenile (- years) including continuing education materials, scientific journals, the Banfield Journal (a medical publication), and the annual Young Adult State of Pet Health Report. (- years) Our commitment also extends to forming partnerships that will ® benefit pets and pet owners. This philosophy led PetSmart, the Mature Adult nation’s largest retailer of pet-related products and services, (- years) to ask Banfield to bring high-quality care to their stores in 1994. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars Incorporated family of Geriatric (> years) businesses with the common goal of providing high-quality pet (%) Proportion Patients of care and nutrition to companion animals.
Alopecia(loss of hair) Arthritis Colitis(large bowel disease)Conjunctivitis(eye infection) Dental Tartar Dermatitis(skin infection) Fleas Gastroenteritis(GI upset) Healthy Pet Heart Murmur Lameness Nuclear(aging Sclerosis of the eye lens)Otitis(ear Externa infection) Overweight PeriodontalStage Disease PeriodontalStage Disease PeriodontalStage Disease Roundworms Skin Tumors Tapeworms Diagnosis Type
These diagnoses are a compilation of the most common diagnoses found in dogs throughout the year. While “Healthy Pet” is not a true medical diagnosis, it is important to include, as it reinforces that pet owners should bring their pets to the veterinarian for preventive care, as well as when their pets are sick or injured. Reasons for a “Healthy Pet” visit include physical examinations, routine vaccinations and blood work or nutritional counseling, among others. 2012 at a glance
The average lifespan (or 1 in 5) of the cats in Louisiana and Mississippi are The average lifespan of Size does matter! Toy/small breed dogs unneutered & unspayed of a cat in 2012 was 12 not spayed or neutered, and these are among the states a dog in 2012 was 11 live longer than giant breeds. 20% of the states with the 3.5% 41% years—up 1 year since 10% with the shortest lifespans for cats. But in Montana and Colorado, 2 5 years—up nearly half a 4% increase shortest lifespan for dogs Mississippi increase longer 2002. the states with the longest lifespans, that number is closer to 44% year since 2002. have the highest number of (or 1 in 12). 8% unneutered and unspayed dogs Louisiana 38% These two states were also Neutered Spayed female LA among the top Neutered male Spayed female Montana and Oregon are tied for the highest male cats live cats live MS states for highest dogs live dogs live Oregon has the highest percentage of geriatric cats at longer than 62% longer than 39% prevalence of 5 longer than 18% longer than 23% percentage of geriatric dogs at 24% unneutered longer unspayed longer heartworm unneutered longer unspayed longer 13% males. females. infection in 2012. males. females.
STATES WITH THE LONGEST LIFESPAN FOR CATS STATES WITH THE LONGEST LIFESPAN FOR DOGS
RI IL NM MT CO NE SD MT OR CO
STATES WITH THE SHORTEST LIFESPAN FOR CATS STATES WITH THE SHORTEST LIFESPAN FOR DOGS
LA LA MS MS AL MA OH KY DE DE common diseases
y weigh as incre ost od t in s h ase alm mellitu eartwo b cr iti d is tes s in h h rm s e r o e e d it d s a th v s b o w is e s r e a ia d e Lifespan | Dog c e r g a x d a e d s e WA f 5 s f s s e i e o o o o f y d has every MT ME v 7x n o 37% 38% e e ND e
e y c g OR c a 91% VT MA
e MN r
e a NH r n
n more common
c in dogs in dogs i ID 5 s
n e
e month NY
SD
n WI
d RI l
l
of all dogs
d
y doubled
e
i
a
a WY MI e l
e in cats
v k r
v CT
a
a
IA PA
e
a e
in the past
v
r
of the
r
r NE
over the
s NV
e
s OH NJ
p p
r than
t
90% 67% IL IN
MD
UT
p
e
5 years CO
CA DE
p
WV
VA
year
age of 3
KS
in cats in cats
MO KY
in dogs
NC
AZ OK TN NM AR SC GA overweight & obesity arthritis kidney disease diabetes mellitus heartworm disease dental disease MS AL LA Life span TX Longest Moderate Shortest FL Overweight and obesity have reached Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, The most common kidney problem Diabetes mellitus is a serious medical Heartworm disease is a serious but Dental disease is the most common epidemic levels in dogs and cats in the affects dogs and cats just as it does seen in pets is chronic kidney disease. condition in which a pet cannot control preventable condition caused by disease in dogs and cats, affecting United States, affecting approximately humans. If left untreated, the disease can While the disease is more common in blood sugar levels due to problems Dirofilaria immitis—long, slender 91 percent of dogs and 85 percent of How does your state rank in pet 1 in 5 dogs and cats. Although some cause irreversible joint damage, resulting cats, it affects dogs as well. Adult, and with insulin production or function. Pet parasitic worms that can reach up to cats over the age of 3. Dental disease health? Learn more about the might consider pets to be cuter or in pain and restricting a pet’s ability to particularly geriatric pets, are more at owners’ most common concerns are 12 inches in length. Heartworm disease includes any health issue affecting the happier when they are overweight, the move or sit comfortably. Because pets, risk than younger pets. When kidneys when pets display polyuria (excessive affects dogs, cats and ferrets and is mouth, including inflammation, tartar, common and chronic diseases and truth is, being overweight is linked to particularly cats, are good at hiding signs become diseased, critical processes urination), polydipsia (excessive potentially fatal. Dirofilaria immitis is gingivitis and periodontal disease, conditions affecting pets in the U.S. other serious conditions such as arthritis, of discomfort, and because the signs of become impaired and affect the body thirst) and weight loss, despite a good transmitted from one pet to another by among other issues. heart and respiratory problems and arthritis can be hard to distinguish from in many ways. appetite. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic mosquitoes. Both indoor and outdoor as well as how each state ranks at diabetes mellitus (cats). those of other diseases, arthritis is likely disease, requiring lifelong treatment pets are at risk for heartworm disease. more common than currently reported. and monitoring. StateofPetHealth.com